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Sally jacobs

Join Date 04/2004

England! We need your thoughts :)

So what is a stereotype?

Stereotypes are considered to be a group concept, held by one social group about another. They are often used in a negative or prejudicial sense and are frequently used to justify certain discriminatory behaviours. More benignly, they may express sometimes-accurate folk wisdom about social reality.
Though stereotypes are often seen as negative, in todays world they are compulsary for us to reach decisions in a quick manner. We assume things, we make judgements, on where people are from, how they look, all kinds of different things. This helps us form an opinion on them without spending the time to actually get to know them. We may not always be right, but in todays world people simply just don't have the time, or aren't willing to make the time.
My interest is peoples opinions on sunny England. I am interested in how people perceive us, what stereotypes people have about us, and just a general opinion. So if you could take the time to answer a few questions I would be extremely grateful!

1) Please could you tell me your general opinion on the English, and any stereotypes that you may have about them?

2) Have you ever met an English person? If yes, were they like you thought they would be?

3) Could you find England on a map?

4) Could you name three places in England? If so which?

5) Do you know what our Prime Minister is called? Any opinions you may have on him?

6) Do you know of any English films that you like?

7) Is there any English music you enjoy? If yes, please name them.

8) Have you ever visited England? If yes, did you enjoy the visit?

9) Finally, if you could describe England in three words, what would they be?

Thanks for your time guys. I've tried to keep this short and sweet!

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What a fun little game. I fear I'm not actually the targetted audience, but I will play anyway!

1) Please could you tell me your general opinion on the English, and any stereotypes that you may have about them? I don't really have a "general opinion" of the English. I know some who are just lovely and other that are absolute jerks. However, I will say that my English friends can all put on this shrill "Northern English" voice/bark/yell that would make Hitler cry--it's brilliant to watch, as long as you aren't on the receiving end. (I will also tell you that my sterotype of England in general is that it is anything but "sunny."

2) Have you ever met an English person? If yes, were they like you thought they would be? Since I have no general opinion, I suppose they met my expectations.

3) Could you find England on a map? most definitely

4) Could you name three places in England? Sure-- Albert Squre, Coronation Street, and Brookside. Oh, you probably meant real places, huh? The answer's still yes.

5) Do you know what our Prime Minister is called? Any opinions you may have on him? Regardless of whether Bush and Blair say the exact same thing, word for word, Blair always sounds more intelligent. Though these days he's looking a bit worse for the wear.

6) Do you know of any English films that you like? Loads. "Love Actually" and "Billy Elliot" are probably two of my favorite.

7) Is there and English music you enjoy? Most of it, actually.

8) Have you ever visited England? If yes, did you enjoy the visit? Yes and yes.

9) Finally, if you could describe England in three words, what would they be? I just don't think that's possible

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1) Please could you tell me your general opinion on the English, and any stereotypes that you may have about them?

I think you could generalize any group of people by stereotypes, and you will never be right because everybody is different. Going by stereotypes, I would have to say I think most people think of the English of being proper, being a little bit too serious, and sorry to say, snobby at times. I know this isnt true because my mother is from England and moved over here when she met my dad, and all of her family is still there, so I do share the heritage.

2) Have you ever met an English person? If yes, were they like you thought they would be?

As above, my mother and her family. My mother always raised us with manners and was often told how polite my sister and I were growing up. We never thought anything of it, but can see the difference now that we are older and see we really were more polite than most children our age.

3) Could you find England on a map?

Yes.

4) Could you name three places in England?

Luton (where my mom grew up), St. Albans, Bath.

5) Do you know what our Prime Minister is called? Any opinions you may have on him?

Tony Blair. I like him.

6) Do you know of any English films that you like?

Love Actually, Monthy Python's Holy Grail, ...cant think of too many at the moment but I know there are more

7) Is there and English music you enjoy?
Yes

8) Have you ever visited England? If yes, did you enjoy the visit?

Yes, three times. Loved it!

9) Finally, if you could describe England in three words, what would they be?

Beautiful, scenic, diverse

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Since I have in my life ENGLANDS greatest export, My wife, that is all I need to know about England, smile

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England! We need your thoughts

By Sally jacobs
Posted Wednesday, April 19, 2006 on sallyjacobs
Discussion: Misc

So what is a stereotype?

Stereotypes are considered to be a group concept, held by one social group about another. They are often used in a negative or prejudicial sense and are frequently used to justify certain discriminatory behaviours. More benignly, they may express sometimes-accurate folk wisdom about social reality.
Though stereotypes are often seen as negative, in todays world they are compulsary for us to reach decisions in a quick manner. We assume things, we make judgements, on where people are from, how they look, all kinds of different things. This helps us form an opinion on them without spending the time to actually get to know them. We may not always be right, but in todays world people simply just don't have the time, or aren't willing to make the time.
My interest is peoples opinions on sunny England. I am interested in how people perceive us, what stereotypes people have about us, and just a general opinion. So if you could take the time to answer a few questions I would be extremely grateful!

1) Please could you tell me your general opinion on the English, and any stereotypes that you may have about them?

Individual English run the gamut from awsome to asshat, in my experience. In general, they seem to me a both more refined and more vulgar than Americans. They seem to favor wordplay (puns, alliteration, rhyming, etc.) as their primary joke style. They seem to place greater value on the group good and less on individual freedom, than "Americans" do. They also seem to be able to run a Parliamentary system of government without going crazy.

2) Have you ever met an English person? If yes, were they like you thought they would be?

Several. These meetings formed a partial basis for my impressions in 1) above (along with reading books by and about the English, and studying some parts of history in which the English figure prominently).

3) Could you find England on a map?

Yes.

4) Could you name three places in England? If so which?

Sheffield, in Yorkshire, where my mother attended university for a term.

The county (?) of Kent, where I once stayed for a week at the home of a friend of my then-girlfriend. (Saw the world premiere of the new Wallace and Grommit while I was there, too. Score!)

5) Do you know what our Prime Minister is called? Any opinions you may have on him?

He's called the Prime Minister, obviously.

His name is Tony Blair.

He's a member of the Labour Party, and seems to have a bizarre combination of that party's characteristically socialist nanny-state domestic policy and a more proactive foreign policy more characteristic of the Bush adminstration.

6) Do you know of any English films that you like?

It's my understanding that most European films are produced by international consortiums for a variety of reasons, and that there aren't really any "English" films--at least, none that are major theatrical releases.

That said, I like the Monty Python films, which are about as quintessentially English as films can be, at least on the comedy side. On the drama side, I'm hard-pressed to recall any English films I've seen or heard of.

7) Is there any English music you enjoy? If yes, please name them.

The Beatles.

I don't go much in for "folk" or "ethnic" music from any culture, though. Except my own, of course--so I listen to a lot of techno. Do you know any good British techno artists?

8) Have you ever visited England? If yes, did you enjoy the visit?

Yes and yes.

9) Finally, if you could describe England in three words, what would they be?

Cold. Hospitable. Subtly strange.

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Yay! Lots of responses, thanks so much guys

However, I will say that my English friends can all put on this shrill "Northern English" voice/bark/yell that would make Hitler cry

Oh no, I fear that's how I sound! I am from the North and have a very high pitched voice! Hehe.

Albert Squre, Coronation Street, and Brookside

Coronation Street is set in Manchester, which is where I am from. Though I have to say Manchester is nothing like it is in Coronation Street.

Blair always sounds more intelligent. Though these days he's looking a bit worse for the wear.

I don't mind Blair at all, many people here have lost confidence in him. You are right though, he is looking very tired I guess he does have a stressful job though!

"Love Actually" and "Billy Elliot" are probably two of my favorite.

They are both brilliant films. East is East is another one of my faves.

I would have to say I think most people think of the English of being proper, being a little bit too serious, and sorry to say, snobby at times

I do understand that. I think many English people do think they are a little superior. Hehe....I blame the royal family!

Monthy Python's Holy Grail, ...

Ahh, classic English films! They are hilarious though.

Since I have in my life ENGLANDS greatest export, My wife, that is all I need to know about England, smile

I'm pleased for you, you got the best of what England has to offer huh

They seem to favor wordplay (puns, alliteration, rhyming, etc.) as their primary joke style

Hehe....I think it's our way of making ourselves feel clever. I find people misunderstand my humour alot, or take it the wrong way. Maybe humour isn't universal!

They also seem to be able to run a Parliamentary system of government without going crazy.

Maybe that's because we were already crazy to start off with

He's a member of the Labour Party, and seems to have a bizarre combination of that party's characteristically socialist nanny-state domestic policy and a more proactive foreign policy more characteristic of the Bush adminstration.

Wow....I think that's a better summary than alot of English people could make. I think major British Parties are realising at the moment that the English people want a more diverse leadership than the single minded ones that were offered in the past. They feel that they need to branch out and tackle more issues.

Do you know any good British techno artists?

I can't say I do. Not my kind of music. My fave English band atm is the Arctic Monkeys!

Subtly strange

Hehe....that we are

Thanks for the responses guys!

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1) They're English

. No general opinion they seem like regular people.
2) I met some Scottish people in Scotland do they count?, I suppose they were what expected no real surprises.
3) Yes
4) Yes, Manchester, Edinburgh, Isle of Skye
5) Tony Blair. No opinion.
6) I liked several of the James Bond movies there's probably some other ones but I never keep track of were a movie is produced.
7) Not yet, will this summer
9) Cloudy, crowded and birthplace of the industrial revolution.

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I forgot musice.
10) Yes I listen to lots of stuff thats from England. Bands: Keanne, Radiohead, many more

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cactoblasta

Join Date 04/2004

+48

1) Please could you tell me your general opinion on the English, and any stereotypes that you may have about them?
The English are okay. The only stereotype I know is the pommy whinger, which from my experience isn't always accurate.

2) Have you ever met an English person? If yes, were they like you thought they would be?
I was mates with one while I was overseas. And I've probably met a dozen over the years, although more as other people's parents than socially. Yeah. Nick bitched like a trooper but the others were alright.

3) Could you find England on a map?
Sure. It's pretty distinctive.

4) Could you name three places in England? If so which?
London, Birmingham, Manchester.

5) Do you know what our Prime Minister is called? Any opinions you may have on him?
Tony Blair. He may think the same things as Bush, but he's much better at expressing himself. I like him even though I disagree with him.

6) Do you know of any English films that you like?
That zombie movie where they hide in the pub... probably some others. There's a lot of British stuff showing in Oz.

7) Is there any English music you enjoy? If yes, please name them.
The Artic Monkies, lots of stuff out of Manchester, The Gorillaz - there's too many to rattle them all off.

8) Have you ever visited England? If yes, did you enjoy the visit?
When I was ten. All I remember is the cold.

9) Finally, if you could describe England in three words, what would they be?
Cold, wet, and miserable. I'd hate to live there, and there must be a reason so many English people move away.

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1) Please could you tell me your general opinion on the English, and any stereotypes that you may have about them? The stereotype I always heard was bad teeth, but I never saw that in the English people I met. I guess proper would be what comes to my mind when I think of the English.

2) Have you ever met an English person?I have met a few. One of my friends mom growing up was from England. She would reprimand us just like all the other moms, but was a bit more fierce in it. Maybe it was the accent.

3) Could you find England on a map?yes

4) Could you name three places in England? If so which?
London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben...

5) Do you know what our Prime Minister is called? Any opinions you may have on him? Tony Blair. If I am honest I will tell you I don't know a whole lot of him. Just what is portrayed on the news.

6) Do you know of any English films that you like? Well, I don't know if these are technically English films but..Harry Potter, James Bond, Austin Powers, Mary Poppins

7) Is there any English music you enjoy? If yes, please name them. The Rolling Stones...Elton John, James Blunt.I didn't know the Gorillaz were English. I like them.

8) Have you ever visited England? If yes, did you enjoy the visit? No, I have not had the pleasure yet.

9) Finally, if you could describe England in three words, what would they be?
Royal, Foggy, Cobblestones. Those are the three words that came to me first without thinking long.

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I met some Scottish people in Scotland do they count?, I suppose they were what expected no real surprises.

Hehe....the English and Scots are generally not to fond of each other. A local rivalry or something like that!

I liked several of the James Bond movies there's probably some other ones but I never keep track of were a movie is produced.

You know, I have never ever watched a James Bond film. Strange really!

The only stereotype I know is the pommy whinger, which from my experience isn't always accurate

Erm.....I haven't heard that one before, I have a good idea what it means though, hehe!

He may think the same things as Bush, but he's much better at expressing himself. I like him even though I disagree with him.

I'm not sure he thinks the same things as Bush, or maybe he's just better at selling those ideas.

Cold, wet, and miserable. I'd hate to live there, and there must be a reason so many English people move away.

It is cold and wet, but I love it here. I don't think I could leave!

The stereotype I always heard was bad teeth, but I never saw that in the English people I met

I hear that one alot and don't really know where it came from!

She would reprimand us just like all the other moms, but was a bit more fierce in it. Maybe it was the accent.

Haha yer the accent can be harsh at times

I didn't know the Gorillaz were English. I like them.

Yep, the guy behind them is the guy from Blur. I don't know if you have heard of them!

Thanks for all your answers guys!

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1) Please could you tell me your general opinion on the English, and any stereotypes that you may have about them?

Ah, there is a stereotype a lot of Australians hold about the English and that is they are whingers and don't bathe often. Another is the football hooligan. Yet another is the upperclass twit. I don't believe in stereotypes, though because I've never met anyone who fulfils them.

2) Have you ever met an English person? If yes, were they like you thought they would be?

Plenty. I live in a beachside suburb called Coogee which is a popular spot for British visitors. Most come on a 12 month visa. They rent a flat, party hard (and loud) and move on. My brother-in-law was born and raised in England. I've also got a number of friends who are English. One comes from Bristol but has spent considerable time here. For the most part, the English are like any population; made up of individuals of all sorts.

3) Could you find England on a map?

Absolutely.

4) Could you name three places in England? If so which?

Yes. Bristol (obviously), Cornwall, London (one of my closest friends lives in Notting Hill), Manchester (go United), Liverpool, Surrey (my brother-in-law was born there)... (Okay, is six enough?)

5) Do you know what our Prime Minister is called? Any opinions you may have on him?

Tony Blair. He is a member of the Labour party but strikes me as being fairly conservative. I don't like that he helped form the Coalition of the Willing but I can't complain too much because so did Australia's PM.

6) Do you know of any English films that you like?

I really liked Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Mean Machine, Gosford Park, Trainspotting, Shallow Grave, Naked, Shaun Of The Dead, Snatch, any of the Monty Python films, most of Peter Greenaway's films, erm...

7) Is there any English music you enjoy? If yes, please name them.

Gomez (one of my most favourite bands), The Clash, Gorillaz, Radiohead, The Beatles, Led Zepplin, Blur, Chemical Brothers, Queen, Moloko, Roots Manuva and lots of others I can't remember right now.

8) Have you ever visited England? If yes, did you enjoy the visit?

Not yet. Planning on visiting next year and hopefully will get to go to Glastonbury Festival.

9) Finally, if you could describe England in three words, what would they be?

Oh, how hard is this question. Ahhmm, let me see... Soccer, lager and riots? No, that is not right. How about Eccies, Madchester and Raves? Or what about upperclass, snobs and g&t's... See, there are so many variables I just can't do it.

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they are whingers and don't bathe often. Another is the football hooligan

I am guilty of a little whinging, hehe! Though I do bathe daily, on a good day twice. I was actually surprised that the football hooligan thing wasn't mentioned more. England have a bad image in that department, and I would like to say it isn't deserved, but unfortunately some people need to use football as a front for a need to get rid of aggression and frustration that they have no other way of getting rid of, because basically they are to stupid *steps daintly off her soap box* hehe!

Manchester (go United)

Haha...so the right thing to say to me, you just won me over

I really liked Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels

That is an excellent film, unfortunately I don't think Mr Maddonna has ever reproduced that!

I'm also surprised so many people have heard of the gorillaz.....I didn't realise they were so popular. Though they are very different and talented. Do you like the Arctic Monkeys?

Planning on visiting next year and hopefully will get to go to Glastonbury Festival.

Ahh be prepared for lots of mud, and madness! I'm sure you'll love it!

Soccer, lager and riots? No, that is not right. How about Eccies, Madchester and Raves? Or what about upperclass, snobs and g&t's

Ahh this made me giggle. Madchester! It's often called Gunchester now, which isn't very good! Upperclass it more of a southern thing I think! But don't get me started on that!

Thanks for the response xxx

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some people need to use football as a front for a need to get rid of aggression and frustration that they have no other way of getting rid of, because basically they are to stupid *steps daintly off her soap box*

Oh its the same here too except it is Rugby League (which I don't really like). In fact, about the only code of football I admire is soccer, but even then I'm more a fan of the game rather than a follower.

so the right thing to say to me, you just won me over

I have been a ManU supporter for many years.

I don't think Mr Maddonna has ever reproduced that

I agree. He seems to have lost his edge, doesn't he? Maybe it is trying to live up to being Mr. Madonna.

I'm also surprised so many people have heard of the gorillaz.....I didn't realise they were so popular. Though they are very different and talented. Do you like the Arctic Monkeys?

Gorillaz are very popular, at least with me and my friends. I was talking to someone from the States the other day who was convinced they were an American band and I had to put them right. Damon Albarn can do no wrong, as far as I'm concerned. As for the Arctic Monkeys, I've heard of them and I've heard a few of their songs (the one that sticks is the 'I bet you look good on the dancefloor' song). Must admit I'm more into hip hop than rock these days (I'm a songwriter for a hip hop act...). There is just so much good music, though, it is hard to keep up with it all. I'll take your recommendation and have a good listen to the Arctic Monkeys, though.

It's often called Gunchester now, which isn't very good!

That is sad. I hope you're not having to dodge bullets.

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In fact, about the only code of football I admire is soccer, but even then I'm more a fan of the game rather than a follower.

I have to say I am a huge Man Utd fan, and I do get rather passionate. I can become rather fiesty if things aren't going my way, especially with them lovely man city fans, hehe!

He seems to have lost his edge, doesn't he? Maybe it is trying to live up to being Mr. Madonna.

I hate to say it I fear he was a one hit wonder, but who knows! To be fair 'ol madge is a force to be reckoned with!

That is sad. I hope you're not having to dodge bullets.

Ahh it isn't so bad, it went through a phase of having some problems, but the bad people generally shoot each other!

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